Publications [#350228] of Matthew L Becker

Journal Articles

  1. Worch, JC; Weems, AC; Yu, J; Arno, MC; Wilks, TR; Huckstepp, RTR; O'Reilly, RK; Becker, ML; Dove, AP, "Elastomeric polyamide biomaterials with stereochemically tuneable mechanical properties and shape memory.", Nature communicationsJune,, 2020, 11(1), 3250 [doi].
    (last updated on 2024/11/19)

    Abstract:
    Biocompatible polymers are widely used in tissue engineering and biomedical device applications. However, few biomaterials are suitable for use as long-term implants and these examples usually possess limited property scope, can be difficult to process, and are non-responsive to external stimuli. Here, we report a class of easily processable polyamides with stereocontrolled mechanical properties and high-fidelity shape memory behaviour. We synthesise these materials using the efficient nucleophilic thiol-yne reaction between a dipropiolamide and dithiol to yield an α,β - unsaturated carbonyl moiety along the polymer backbone. By rationally exploiting reaction conditions, the alkene stereochemistry is modulated between 35-82% cis content and the stereochemistry dictates the bulk material properties such as tensile strength, modulus, and glass transition. Further access to materials possessing a broader range of thermal and mechanical properties is accomplished by polymerising a variety of commercially available dithiols with the dipropiolamide monomer.